Hairspray

Hairspray is a well established and well loved musical.  It’s 21 years since it first appeared on Broadway, and is the winner of 8 Tony and 4 Olivier awards. Based on the 1988 film by John Waters which tells the story of Tracy Turnblad a girl who doesn’t fit in but is born to stand out, the show has everything, a heart warming story, touching moments, hilarious comedy and a very important message of equality and inclusivity. The show has been in the West End and on tour many times, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen it and boy is it good to see it back!

The show retains its well written script and its wonderful songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, but it has had a total revamp in terms of what you see on stage which has breathed new life into the piece and made it even more fabulous, when it was pretty fabulous to begin with!

The show has been directed by Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards, who has a long history with the show having played the role of Motormouth Maybelle, and they have instilled it with a new freshness as well as retaining all those best loved moments that work so well. The same can be said of the choreography of acclaimed choreographer Drew McOnie. The dance numbers in Hairspray, particularly the final number “You Can’t Stop The Beat” are iconic, and he has managed to do something different, yet still echo what has come before. The dance routines are full of brightness and energy and lift the entire production. The set and costumes are also brilliantly designed by Takis, providing colour and interest and prove a clever addition to the storytelling, giving you everything you need to know about a character as soon as they walk onto the stage. Another essential element that deserves the greatest of praise is the video and projection design by George Reeves, particularly in the protest songs “Big Blonde and Beautiful” and “I Know Where I’ve Been” where it provides historical context with pictures of the civil rights movement and the names of so many Civil Rights activists, that should rightly be remembered for their struggles for equality. It was a really electrifying moment!

And so to the performances, starting with the ensemble who were fantastic, and lifted the energy of the show with dancing that was on the money and each carefully crafting their characters whatever role they were playing, as did the Male and Female authority figures played by Stuart Hickey and Kirsty Sparks who provided some genuinely hilarious comedy moments. Declan Egan as Corny Collins was the right type of smooth without becoming smarmy and led the TV sequences confidently and in great voice.  The same could be said for Solomon Davy as Link, who also portrayed the real heart behind the teen idol. Allana Taylor and Gina Murray were superb and in fantastic voice as the scheming Von Tussles, as were Reece Richards and Freya McMahon as Seaweed and Penny Pingleton.  It’s Freya’s professional debut and her voice soared as she nailed both the high belting and the comedy needed to bring her character to life. Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle had all the stature and gravitas needed for the powerful matriarch and her performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been” was showstopping! There was a lovely rapport between Dermot Canavan and Neil Hurst as Wilbur and Edna Turnblad, and there was real warmth and gentle humour in their duet “You’re Timeless to Me”.  Neil Hurst was a wonderful Edna, both funny and touching and getting that balance absolutely spot on.

The standout performance, as it should be, came from Alexandra Emerson – Kirby as Tracy. From the moment she appeared and started to s壯陽藥
ing I relaxed and knew the show was in safe hands. This is also Alexandra’s professional debut and she is essentially the one responsible for carrying the show, but she was so self assured, and her warmth and enthusiasm just comes rolling in waves out into the audience. Her voice is stunning and she makes the character of Tracy so lovable, she really is the heartbeat of the show. She has a bright future ahead I’m sure.

Hairspray is still what it’s always been bright, colourful and uplifting but now it’s even better and brighter. It’s message still packs a punch and reminds us that allowing people the opportunity to shine no matter who they are or what they look like is so important, now more than ever.

This show has something for everyone, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love it, there is fun and frivolity but also a great big heart and soul!

The beat goes on! Welcome back Hairspray, it’s good to see you back!

This show was reviewed on the 30th July 2024 at The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff where it runs until the 3rd August 2024.  To buy tickets and find out full tour details visit: Hairspray The Musical UK Tour Dates & Venues: Official Site (hairsprayuktour.com)

***** stars

Beverley-Anne Harris

Join Beverley-Anne every Saturday from midday for the ‘Saturday Songbook’ here on Box Office Radio

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Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz